Why a Kolkata Court Denied Death Penalty to Sanjay Roy in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

A Kolkata court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August last year. The Sealdah Civil and Criminal Court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000, rejecting the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) demand for the death penalty, which they argued was necessary as the crime fell under the “rarest of rare” category.

While delivering the sentence, the court stated that the case did not meet the criteria for capital punishment. The victim’s family, devastated by the loss, had pleaded for the harshest punishment. The CBI lawyer echoed this sentiment, asserting that awarding the death penalty was crucial to uphold public faith in justice.

However, Roy’s defense lawyer countered by emphasizing the possibility of reform, arguing that capital punishment should only be considered if it is unequivocally proven that the convict cannot be rehabilitated. They urged the court to consider any penalty other than the death sentence.

Throughout the trial, Roy maintained his innocence, claiming he was falsely implicated. “I have not committed rape or murder. I am being framed. I was tortured and forced to sign papers,” he alleged in court.

The court, while sentencing Roy, directed the West Bengal government to provide ₹17 lakh as compensation to the grieving family of the doctor. The verdict left the victim’s family distraught, as they sought closure and the strictest justice for their irreparable loss.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”